The parts you use in your devices and products need to be made of top-notch materials. Just as important, many of them may need high-grade, industrial coatings. But which coating works best for your product?
It’s important to choose the right coating for your parts before going into production. If you choose the wrong type of coating, or even the wrong coating technique, it can cause functionality issues that cannot be undone.
What is industrial coating?
Industrial coating is the manufacturing process of covering an object with a thin layer of material. These layers can provide protection against outside elements, rust, corrosion, and general wear and tear.
The material used will determine the type of protection. Certain metals and polymers are well-suited for electronic parts while others would make them malfunction. Depending on the part and its use, the right materials and application technique are important.
What to consider when choosing an industrial coating
There are several factors to think about when selecting an industrial coating for any part of your product. Here are just a few considerations:
- Coating cost – As with many products and services, you get what you pay for. An inexpensive coating may be less costly but could deteriorate quicker than an expensive coating.
- Properties of the coating – Every material is different, and every type of metal can affect the function of your product. Certain metals are more conductive than others, and some can only be used on certain types of parts.
- Production speed – Sometimes, any coating will do and the most important thing is to get the parts produced ASAP. Other times, you need a specific coating for your parts and need to factor in the length of time it takes to coat each item during your production process.
- End goal – What is the final function of your product? Does it need to withstand the harsh winter or summer weather? Does it need to withstand a lot of friction? These questions can help you decide which coating is best.
Materials used for industrial coating
Many different materials can be used for industrial coating projects. Mueller has the technology required to coat nearly any part with:
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Nickel chrome
- Teflon
- Ceramic
- Chemical agent resistant coatings
Our team has provided industrial coating services for countless clients over the years. We can work with you to understand your product and help you find the coating that will work the best.
Coating techniques
There are many different ways for industrial coatings to be applied to a part. A few of the options include:
- Electroplating, where an electric current goes through an electrolyte solution containing a metal substrate and dissolved material that will serve as the coating
- Abrasive blasting, where the coating material is blasted onto the part in a spray form
- Electroless plating, where the part is exposed to the coating and a chemical reaction adheres it to the part
- Anodizing, where aluminum converts into aluminum oxide to serve as a coating
The technique required for an industrial coating job will be based on a number of factors, including the size of the parts, the coating material, and the production schedule.
Make sure that your products are coated with a proper industrial coating that is made to last. Mueller can coat your device parts with as much or as little coating as required, even down below 1 millimeter thick. Contact us today to learn more about our industrial coating services.
About Mueller Corporation
Founded in 1955, Mueller Corporation offers customers a diversity of vacuum metalized and industrial coatings to satisfy any decorative or functional finishing needs. Mueller Corporation maintains the highest customer satisfaction and quality assurance by continuously investing in its products and its people. With an emphasis on developing innovative coatings through research and development and continual improvement of our process through emerging technologies and applications, Mueller Corporation remains the leader in functional and decorative coatings for brands across the globe.